[2] Arnold, born in Brabant, the son of a certain Fulbertus[3][4] was first a career soldier before settling at the Benedictine St. Medard's Abbey, Soissons, France.

When his see was occupied by another bishop, rather than fighting, he took the opportunity to retire from public life, founding the Abbey of St. Peter in Oudenburg.

During one outbreak of sickness, Arnold advised the local people to avoid consuming water, in favor of beer, which advice effectively saved lives.

[7] One miracle tale says, at the time of an epidemic, rather than stand by while the local people fell ill from drinking water, Arnold had them consume his monastery brews.

"[9] Miracles that were reported at his tomb were investigated and approved by a council at Beauvais in 1121; in 1131 Arnold's relics were transferred to the Church of St. Peter [de] in Aldenburg.